Stripped Head Bolts

The issue happened because you used a triple-square socket on a double-hex bolt. Yes, both are 12 pt, but the angles are different. Snap-on is the only supplier that I’m aware of for double-hex that I’m aware of, but there may be others.

 

https://shop.snapon.com/product/Double-Hex-Standard,-mm,-Chrome-(1/2")/1-2"-Drive-Metric-10-mm-Lexus/Toyota®? Double-Hex-Socket-Driver/SADM10E

And I found these, no idea about the quality:

$27 CTA Tools 9295 Head Bolt Wrenches, Double Hex 1/2" Square Drive Set - Compatible with Toyota

https://www.amazon.com/CTA-Tools-9295-Wrenches-–Double/dp/B006Z58VXC

 

Hmm well that's unfortunate... I dont believe I'll be able to get that socket relatively quickly. I'd like to get it so I can finish up while I'm off the next few days but don't imagine it will be readily available.

 

You definitely don’t want to damage new head bolts by tightening with the wrong tool. I’d wait and get the proper bit.

 

Thanks for the links! I ordered some CTA triple square bits earlier today, but just ordered the bits you linked me to so I know I'll have the proper bit.

They're arriving Monday so that should give me time to clean everything tomorrow and Monday, then put the heads back on in the afternoon.

 

Yeah I read earlier someone rounded out a head bolt on this motor tightening them. I'm not looking to redo any cutting/grinding!

 

I have the Snap-On one. STSM12E

 

Yea if you need a snap on one you can buy just the size you need instead of a whole set for a ton of money. I'll bet sk, wright tool and proto has those too, made in usa and you dont get bent over the barrel like buying snap on or other tool truck brands.

You might could have also whacked a big ease out in there, sometimes you have to cut off the tips to get them to go into shallower things like that.

 

Is that actually 12mm double hex? I linked 10mm, since OP mentioned a 10 mm 6pt hex socket. Hope I didn’t steer him wrong, and if so, the sooner he knows the better.

Edit. Snap-on is listing yours as a 12mm triple-square.

 

Ok, I results I found confirms 10mm double-hex on the 1GR-FE.

 

Mine is a 12mm. Used on multiples of my engines across a variety of years. My original engine being an '06. It was the Snap-On part listed specifically for the engine, as far as I can remember.

 

Perfect fit

 

The real question is how much do you charge

 

Oof - didn’t know Tacoma’s had the tri-square bolts too. Thought the Germans were the only ones using them. I remember the first time I came across one I was dumbfounded.

 

They don’t.

 

FYI snap on sells these spline extractors .Might have worked on those stripped ones . Know you got it out already

 

Well I ended up ordering a powerbuilt brand 12mm double hex on Amazon since that's the only one I could find that would arrive within a few days. I would go with the snap-on one if I could get it this week, but it looks like it may take a few weeks or so and my wife is getting pretty anxious without her truck. I'm pretty sure the head bolts do take a 12mm double hex. The 10mm allen head fits in the bolts fine, but it used a 12mm triple square to fit inside the head bolts, so I imagine a 12mm double hex is very similar in size to the triple square.

I suppose that gives me a few days to clean mating surfaces and research the timing chain assembly situation if the 10mm double hex isn't the correct size (since it's arriving Monday).

Thanks for all the advice and support here too! I've done some pretty complicated stuff before (swapped a 7.3 diesel into my 96 Bronco), but I was kinda dreading these head gaskets on this Tacoma since I have a bunch of other projects/issues around the house I'd like to address as well. I read the oil pan had to come off, and front end lowered (the truck is only 2wd though). I was going to pull the motor, but a friend is borrowing my hoist. Besides this whole head bolt situation, the job is not nearly as difficult as I thought it would be. I still need to get familiar with the whole dual overhead cam situation though. I imagine it's relatively straightforward to put that back together though, but it significantly more complicated than a single camshaft motor that's for sure.

 

Just so everyone else can see the difference.

 

Dang.. I just realized the other bit I purchased is another triple square, not a double hex... Guess I'll be looking elsewhere.

 

Hmm.. so I looked into the STSM12E bit on ebay and it the seller lists it as a triple square. The bit does indeed appear to be a triple square according to the diagram posted above. Should I go ahead and get this anyways, or is there a there a different bit I should order?

stsm12e